How to Lay Tile on a Cement Basement Floor
A tile floor can add beauty and value to an existing cement basement floor. A tile floor can be installed without the need to hire a contractor if you take the time to prepare the existing surface and use the correct products. Tile will adhere to a cement floor but the floor must be checked first for existing damage, and must be cleaned well and prepared before beginning the tile application. With a little time and hard work, your old cement basement will have a beautiful tile floor. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- TSP
- Broom
- Buckets
- Floor leveler or concrete patch
- Concrete sealer
- Chalk line
- Tiles
- Tile spacers
- Mortar
- Trowel
- Grout
- Grout float
- Rags
Instructions
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Clean the concrete floor with a mixture of trisodium phosphate (TSP) solution. Use a broom to spread the solution and clean the floor. Allow the floor to dry well so that you can examine it for any cracks or other damage that must be fixed before you can lay the tile.
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Repair any cracks or dips in the concrete using a cement-based floor leveler or concrete patch product. Allow plenty of time for the repairs to cure before you begin the installation of the tile, at least 24 hours. Failure to repair cracks or fill in dips in the existing concrete can create a surface that is not level for the tiles and eventually will lead to cracks in the tiles.
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Apply a concrete sealer once all repairs have cured. Concrete sealer can be applied with a brush or roller. The sealer will ensure that moisture cannot penetrate the concrete and damage the tiles once they are laid.
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Create a framework for the tiles by using a chalk line. Snap the chalk line from the center of each wall. The point at which the two chalk lines meet will be the exact center of the room. Make a grid beginning in the center of the room and moving outward with the chalk line so you will know where to place the tiles. You should only need to create a small starting grid with the chalk line as the tiles should guide you once you begin to install them.
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Mix the mortar according to manufacturer specifications. Only mix small amounts at a time, as you don't want the mortar to begin to dry in the bucket while you are applying the tiles.
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Begin the tile application from the center of the room along your chalk lines and move outward. In most cases, you will end up having to cut tiles at the end to fit the room. Most people prefer to have partial tiles on the edges of the room. Spread the mortar down in an area approximately 2-by-2 feet, or enough room for three to four tiles at a time. Place the tiles on the mortar according to the chalk line guide. Remember to apply the spacers between the tiles. Continuing the process of spreading mortar and placing tiles until the room is complete. Allow the mortar to dry for the manufacturer's suggested amount of time.
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Mix the grout as directed by the manufacturer. Once mixed, liberally apply the grout over the tiles using a groat float. In this case, more is better. Use a damp cloth to remove excess grout as you go. You may need to repeat the application of the grout as it settles in between the tiles. Allow the grout to dry and then clean the floor to remove the film created on the tiles by the grout.
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